(AP) March 5, 2009 – With just one week to go until the 2009 Harvest Classic the question on everyone’s mind is can Vern Shukoski defy all odds and take home the Harvest title? Time will tell if the midnight putting sessions or the newly installed driving net in the backyard will push him to the top of the leader board.
The 2009 field is stacked with talent as Tom Duffy rejoins the field having last competed in 2003 and Terry Haack rounds out the field placing 12th in his last outing in 2007. The Hayes boys will all be present (minus JP) and if the trash talking is any indication, this year is sure to be a doozy.
Reigning champ Tom Hayes has been in rare form over the e-mail airways trying to capitalize on his psychological warfare strategies. After talking smack about brother Jim, he fire back with the following; “You are quite correct and have a good memory for an older guy. I have started strong in many Harvest events only to fade as the tournament went on. Concerned about this, I confided in my sports psychologist over the summer to see if I could figure the problem out. He told me I suffer from “golfer’s empathy.” The malady occurs when a superior ball striker plays with rinky-dink partners. I start feeling bad for my playing partners and my sub-conscious tells me to bring my game down to their level. In an effort to be a good partner, I back-off my usual dominant performance and sink to the level of my cart-sharing hackers. I think it’s the same reason JP doesn’t like playing pro-ams. He’s afraid his game will slide to the lowest common denominator. I can only suggest that I believe my therapy has been very successful. I will put on a blindfold following my shots so I don’t have to watch numerous shanks, heel shots, duck hooks, etc. I think you will see a new player this year. I don’t mean to be callous and I certainly will be polite and friendly following each round. However, on the course, I will be mean and nasty. So, get your A game ready. I won’t let it bring my game down. I’m only interested in pristine ball striking, not being a friend to all who participate.”
Will Tom repeat his 2008 performance or is this the year of the Riester? The 2009 Harvest Classic tees off on Thursday, March 12. Follow along with all of the action at www.hayesvision.com.